Catawba Triple Crown

I took a quick adventure to Roanoke Virginia to find dry trail. I ran the Catawba Triple Crown along one of the most iconic sections of the Appalachian Trail, which traverses Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, & Tinkers Cliffs and circumvents the town of Catawba. The route is 35 miles with over 7,000ft in elevation gain. I got it done in just over 9 hours.

I love the geology here; 300 million year old orthoquartzite sandstone of the Tuscarora formation that makes up the “ridge & valley” province shaped by a mountain building event some 100 million years ago. I ran by Virginia pines, table mountain pines, southern red oak and chinquapin oak. Lots of wildlife, too. A good way see spring early.

Pemigewasset Loop FKT

Right before Christmas, I set out to attempt my first full winter Pemigewasset Loop (Pemi) and left with the unsupported @fastestknowntime, shaving off over 5 hours from the record!

I’ve long had a tremendous amount of respect & appreciation for the danger, spirit and beauty of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Being a 36-year old relatively new runner, I’m excited to sneak onto the board for a premier trail I care so much about during a time when records are getting thinner by the day in the White Mountains. I approached this effort at a moderate and safe pace with the intent to push myself, stay healthy, take the record and leave the door open for others.

I hope my effort inspires someone to break my record ASAP and to have a similar experience. A big shoutout to all the folks who sent me supportive messages over the course of the day. You kept me going!

Van Build

In the past 3 months, I’ve moved states, changed jobs, sold my car, bought a van and converted it. Whew…

I’ve missed working with my hands and using my right-sided brain. Carpentry is an art & a science, & so fulfilling. I designed it with simplicity in mind & used wood from all my favorite places - it feels like the northeast in there.

Thank you to everybody who lent a hand, gifted me wood, shared expertise and provided a work space (gramma). Time to explore

Fresh

Insulated subfloor, sound deadener, ventilated bed frame & two ceiling fans

Custom cabinets and framing

Custom drawers

Custom butcher block from island gifted oak

Pre-wiring (AC & DC) & insulation

Oak laminate floor & induction cooktop

400 watts of off grid solar

Electrical system - 200ah lithium batteries, inverter & charge controller

Sliding window, fridge, sink, faucet & cedar walls